Meet Jessica Phillips.
Q: Tell us a little bit about what you do in Sedona and what inspired you to start your
business here?
A: I own and operate a dance school – Sedona Dance Academy – as well lease out the
facility under the business name Sun and Moon Studio. I moved to Arizona after high
school in 2008. I spent 10 years in Phoenix while dancing for Ballet Arizona. During that
time, I frequently would visit Sedona and fell in love with the area, the natural beauty
and the local people.
When I made the decision to retire from professional dancing, I was teaching full-time in
Scottsdale but felt a strong pull to relocate to Sedona. I decided to follow my dreams
and had the good fortune of connecting with a really beautiful family that was looking for
a nanny.
In my first few months living in Sedona, I realized there were no dance schools where
children could ‘dip their toes’ into dance arts. I rented a studio that I knew had a long-
term lease and introduced a short term dance program. These early classes were well
received by the community and eventually I was able to take over the lease for the
facility from the person who had previously leased it.
That’s how I started my business.
Q: What kind of dance school?
A: The foundation is ballet because that is my training and expertise. We now also offer
modern jazz, tap, hip-hop, and contemporary. So, it’s a full well-rounded dance school
for kids 2 to 18 years old. In the space we also offer adult dance classes, which are just
more of a drop-in type of thing in the mornings.
Q: What drew you to Sedona and what do you love about Sedona?
A: It’s the land that really drew me here. I love the creek, I love the dramatic landscape,
and I like the space being inundated with nature – not so much concrete and buildings
everywhere – and of course the weather is much more pleasant than the Valley. I like
the people; they are pretty centered, and I have found my grounded folks.
Q: What one trait has contributed to your success?
A: A strong will, passion, and discipline help me to bring consistency and high standards
to my school. Most people who appreciate ballet are drawn to the grace, athleticism and
beauty of the movement. Those who have not danced ballet for years may not
understand the discipline and perseverance required to reach the professional level. I
started dancing at age 8 under a very demanding Russian Ballet Master who saw
something in me. Through his instruction and encouragement, I was accepted into the
Kirov Dance Academy in Washington, D.C. at the age of 14. Living away from home at
a dance boarding school instilled in me the love and appreciation for the ballet art form.
In my formative years discipline being drilled into me and working as a professional
ballet dancer taught me to strive for excellence.
I believe that my discipline and perseverance has allowed my vision and dream to come
to life. I had no idea how much work it took to run a studio; being in that position now, I
love finding ways to make my studio a step above the rest, and to bring joy to kids
through dance. It’s a labor of love.
Q: What keeps you motivated?
A: Seeing the kids light up in the show, on stage, witnessing their joy and growth,
inspires me greatly. Whether it’s my internal growth, my students’ growth, or their
families’ growing
understanding of the value that dance brings, it really motivates me.
Q: Who’s the most inspiring person you’ve met since you’ve lived in Sedona?
A: Summer Rose. She owns Local Juicery and Wildcraft Kitchen. She’s part of the
family I
nannied for when I first moved here. I got close to her and her mother, Charity.
They both inspire me so much, and Summer also encouraged me to open my own
business
because she’s a successful woman in business here. Without her in my life, I probably
would have been too scared to make that leap. She’s a very dear friend.
Q: What advice would you give a crowd of people?
A: Life is too short to make small decisions, like doing things in a safe way. If you are
inspired or have a dream, go for it. It’s better to fail, even if it’s a huge failure; you learn
from that and can improve. If it’s truly within you, you’ll get back up and try again and do
it better each time. I would say pursue whatever your dreams are. I think it’s a much
more enjoyable way to live.
Q: What’s your favorite restaurant in Sedona?
A: I go to Che Ah Chi at Enchantment when they’re open to the public. I love eating
there.
Q: Choosing anyone dead or alive. Who would you like to have lunch or dinner with and
why?
A: George Balanchine. He influenced the ballet world in America. He brought a new
style to the American ballet technique and was a brilliant choreographer. He was a true
genius.
Q: When friends come to visit, where do you take them?
A: I take them to my secret creek spot, Snoopy Rock, and Kachina Woman. Snoopy
Rock is a dramatic hike but not too difficult. I also take them to Enchantment Resort
when it’s open to the public.
Q: Anything that I have not asked you that you would like someone to know about you?
A: I don’t think many people know about my background as a professional ballet dancer.
It’s a big part of who I am, but it’s not something I put out there often. I’m also a huge
cat person, and I love Oak Creek.
